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Subject: Seeking Advice and Support Regarding Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and TRT Alternatives

Dear Community Members,
It has been quite some time since I last reached out or visited this platform, but I find myself in need of your help and guidance now more than ever. Allow me to share my story and current situation in hopes of receiving valuable insights and support from this knowledgeable community.

Since 2012, I have been undergoing Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), initially starting with test gel, then transitioning to Sustanon 250, and eventually Nebido 400ml every 10 weeks. However, around 2014, I began experiencing concerning elevations in my PSA, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels. Despite this, it wasn't until 2016/17 that my PSA reached a level of 3, prompting a referral to a urologist.
Over the years, my PSA fluctuated between 4-7, leading to repeated discussions about undergoing a biopsy. However, I opted for an MRI scan instead, which consistently showed no abnormalities until 2021 when it revealed benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Despite this finding, my PSA continued to rise, reaching 14.15 last year, ultimately resulting in an urgent referral back to a urologist.
Subsequent MRI scans indicated a lesion pirade 4, and a biopsy confirmed the presence of prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 3+4: 7 (grade 2). The urologist recommended a prostatectomy, but I hesitated to rush into such a life-altering decision. Instead, I embarked on a journey to educate myself about the implications and alternatives associated with prostate cancer treatment.
While I recognize the seriousness of my diagnosis, I am grappling with the uncertainty of sacrificing my quality of life for a potentially marginal increase in lifespan, with no guarantee that the cancer will not recur. Furthermore, the suspension of TRT has left me concerned about its impact on my overall well-being, as I believe it contributes to my strength and vitality.
In addition to exploring alternative treatments and lifestyle modifications, I sought a second opinion to ascertain whether the result was indeed correct and requested genetic testing to assess the aggressiveness of my cancer. Unfortunately, both requests were declined, leaving me feeling uncertain about the accuracy of my diagnosis and the best course of action moving forward.
I am reaching out to this community in search of advice, support, and perhaps alternative perspectives that could shed light on my situation. Any insights, experiences, or recommendations regarding prostate cancer management, TRT alternatives, or avenues for obtaining a second opinion or genetic testing would be immensely appreciated.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for any assistance you can offer in navigating this challenging chapter of my life.

Sincerely,

<blockquote data-quote="Rawaan" data-source="post: 278483" data-attributes="member: 14481">Subject: Seeking Advice and Support Regarding Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and TRT AlternativesDear Community Members,It has been quite some time since I last reached out or visited this platform, but I find myself in need of your help and guidance now more than ever. Allow me to share my story and current situation in hopes of receiving valuable insights and support from this knowledgeable community.Since 2012, I have been undergoing Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), initially starting with test gel, then transitioning to Sustanon 250, and eventually Nebido 400ml every 10 weeks. However, around 2014, I began experiencing concerning elevations in my PSA, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels. Despite this, it wasn&#039;t until 2016/17 that my PSA reached a level of 3, prompting a referral to a urologist.Over the years, my PSA fluctuated between 4-7, leading to repeated discussions about undergoing a biopsy. However, I opted for an MRI scan instead, which consistently showed no abnormalities until 2021 when it revealed benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Despite this finding, my PSA continued to rise, reaching 14.15 last year, ultimately resulting in an urgent referral back to a urologist.Subsequent MRI scans indicated a lesion pirade 4, and a biopsy confirmed the presence of prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 3+4: 7 (grade 2). The urologist recommended a prostatectomy, but I hesitated to rush into such a life-altering decision. Instead, I embarked on a journey to educate myself about the implications and alternatives associated with prostate cancer treatment.While I recognize the seriousness of my diagnosis, I am grappling with the uncertainty of sacrificing my quality of life for a potentially marginal increase in lifespan, with no guarantee that the cancer will not recur. Furthermore, the suspension of TRT has left me concerned about its impact on my overall well-being, as I believe it contributes to my strength and vitality.In addition to exploring alternative treatments and lifestyle modifications, I sought a second opinion to ascertain whether the result was indeed correct and requested genetic testing to assess the aggressiveness of my cancer. Unfortunately, both requests were declined, leaving me feeling uncertain about the accuracy of my diagnosis and the best course of action moving forward.I am reaching out to this community in search of advice, support, and perhaps alternative perspectives that could shed light on my situation. Any insights, experiences, or recommendations regarding prostate cancer management, TRT alternatives, or avenues for obtaining a second opinion or genetic testing would be immensely appreciated.Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for any assistance you can offer in navigating this challenging chapter of my life.Sincerely,</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Rawaan, post: 278483, member: 14481"] Subject: Seeking Advice and Support Regarding Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and TRT Alternatives Dear Community Members, It has been quite some time since I last reached out or visited this platform, but I find myself in need of your help and guidance now more than ever. Allow me to share my story and current situation in hopes of receiving valuable insights and support from this knowledgeable community. Since 2012, I have been undergoing Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), initially starting with test gel, then transitioning to Sustanon 250, and eventually Nebido 400ml every 10 weeks. However, around 2014, I began experiencing concerning elevations in my PSA, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels. Despite this, it wasn't until 2016/17 that my PSA reached a level of 3, prompting a referral to a urologist. Over the years, my PSA fluctuated between 4-7, leading to repeated discussions about undergoing a biopsy. However, I opted for an MRI scan instead, which consistently showed no abnormalities until 2021 when it revealed benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Despite this finding, my PSA continued to rise, reaching 14.15 last year, ultimately resulting in an urgent referral back to a urologist. Subsequent MRI scans indicated a lesion pirade 4, and a biopsy confirmed the presence of prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 3+4: 7 (grade 2). The urologist recommended a prostatectomy, but I hesitated to rush into such a life-altering decision. Instead, I embarked on a journey to educate myself about the implications and alternatives associated with prostate cancer treatment. While I recognize the seriousness of my diagnosis, I am grappling with the uncertainty of sacrificing my quality of life for a potentially marginal increase in lifespan, with no guarantee that the cancer will not recur. Furthermore, the suspension of TRT has left me concerned about its impact on my overall well-being, as I believe it contributes to my strength and vitality. In addition to exploring alternative treatments and lifestyle modifications, I sought a second opinion to ascertain whether the result was indeed correct and requested genetic testing to assess the aggressiveness of my cancer. Unfortunately, both requests were declined, leaving me feeling uncertain about the accuracy of my diagnosis and the best course of action moving forward. I am reaching out to this community in search of advice, support, and perhaps alternative perspectives that could shed light on my situation. Any insights, experiences, or recommendations regarding prostate cancer management, TRT alternatives, or avenues for obtaining a second opinion or genetic testing would be immensely appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for any assistance you can offer in navigating this challenging chapter of my life. Sincerely, [/QUOTE]

Verification

TRT Hormone Predictor Widget

Understanding Your Hormones

Estradiol (E2)

A form of estrogen produced from testosterone. Important for bone health, mood, and libido. Too high can cause side effects; too low can affect well-being.

DHT

Dihydrotestosterone is a potent androgen derived from testosterone. Affects hair growth, prostate health, and masculinization effects.

Free Testosterone

The biologically active form of testosterone not bound to proteins. Directly available for cellular uptake and biological effects.

Scientific Reference

Lakshman KM, Kaplan B, Travison TG, Basaria S, Knapp PE, Singh AB, LaValley MP, Mazer NA, Bhasin S. The effects of injected testosterone dose and age on the conversion of testosterone to estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in young and older men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Aug;95(8):3955-64.

DOI: 10.1210/jc.2010-0102 | PMID: 20534765 | PMCID: PMC2913038